Users of Calliaqua Playing Field threatened by loose light fixtures

by Robertson S Henry

Users of the Calliaqua Playing Field are calling for urgent repairs to be done to the light fixtures at the Calliaqua Playing Field, after it was observed that some of the fixtures are hanging by their connecting wires.

About two weeks ago, one of the light fixtures fell from the light tower nearest the Four Shells Restaurant. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Then a few days ago, another light fixture near the Coast Guard got loose, making it two poles with loose light fixtures hanging by their connecting wires.

This came weeks after the alarm was raised by residents of the community when they saw that the light fixtures on three of the towers were hanging by their connecting wires.

With the high winds associated with the annual hurricane season, residents were fearful that someone could get seriously injured and or even killed if one of the light fixtures fell.

Their fears were well founded when the detached fixture weighed in at an astonishing 30 pounds.

Calliaqua resident Roger Gurley commented: “What if it had fallen on someone…GOD forbid.”

There was also an uncovered access hatch at the foot of one of the light towers which raised even more concerns for the users.

An official of St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC) told SEARCHLIGHT: “The relevant authorities should look into this. VINLEC has no live wires at that location.”

Responding to queries, Parliamentary representative Camillo Gonsalves confirmed that he is aware of the situation and had written to the National Sports Council, “I wrote them on this issue three times this year…January, March, and June.”

Julian Burgin, manager (acting) of the National Sports Council, told SEARCHLIGHT on November 15 he was not aware of such a situation at the Calliaqua Playing Field. He also said that he is unaware of any letter and or letters being written to the Sports Council on the issue of problems associated with the light fixtures at the Calliaqua Playing Field, but will look into it.

No one at the Roads Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) was able to give a response as to whether that institution was aware of the situation at the Calliaqua Playing Field, or if BRAGSA was asked to deal with the matter.

Despite promises by BRAGSA that caution tape would be put in place to warn persons to stay away from the light towers, when SEARCHLIGHT visited the Calliaqua Playing Field on Tuesday, there was no caution tape to warn persons to keep a safe distance from the light towers.